If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Re: Looking Ahead: 2014 Draft

I think the Reds will go after that kid from California, that RHP in HS whose name escapes me, that middle infielder from Georgia or is it Mississippi, the youngster from Florida, and that local guy who makes good.

Couple other names to add to the list (why not, it's only 10 months out!):

Ti'quan Forbes HS SS, Nick Gordon HS SS and Marcus Wilson HS OF

Those three, along with shortstops Trea Turner, Jacob Gatewood, Montrell Marshall and HS catcher Alex Jackson are the top seven guys I'd love to see in Red. Carlos Rodon and Tyler Beede seem to be the consensus top two guys (both pitchers), so barring injury or meltdown it seems unlikely that they would fall out of the top half of the first round. That said, in 10 months a lot stranger things have happened.

Re: Looking Ahead: 2014 Draft

As a result, the Colorado Rockies had the best odds at receiving that selection, currently No. 32, with a 17 percent chance. Those odds came in, as Colorado was awarded the top pick in the lottery. The Cleveland Indians (13.9 percent), Miami Marlins (13.2) and Kansas City Royals (11.2) had the next-best odds. Cleveland ended up with the third selection, behind the Baltimore Orioles, with the Marlins and Royals falling in behind the Indians. The Milwaukee Brewers nabbed the final pick in Round A.

The Padres got the first pick in Round B, followed by the Diamondbacks, Cardinals, Rays Pirates and Mariners.

lottery results
Below are the results of the Competitive Balance Lottery, which establishes the order for Comp Rounds A and B in the 2014 First-Year Player Draft.

Re: Looking Ahead: 2014 Draft

While next year’s draft class is a definite improvement over those of the last two years, I came up with nine guys I thought clearly belonged but agonized over the final spot. Both John Manuel and Aaron Fitt are bullish on Louisiana State righthander Austin Nola, so I let them talk me into putting him at No. 10:

1. Carlos Rodon, lhp, North Carolina State
Spectacular summer with Team USA cements him as clear top prospect for now.
2. Jeff Hoffman, rhp, East Carolina
Starred in Cape Cod League last two summers with mid-90s fastball, big-breaking curve.
3. Tyler Kolek, rhp, Shepherd (Texas) HS
His size (6-foot-6, 250-pounds), consistent upper-90s fastball make him the top prep prospect.
4. Trea Turner, ss, North Carolina State
More than just a burner, he also offers hitting prowess and the ability to stick at shortstop.
5. Alex Jackson, c/of, Rancho Bernardo HS, San Diego
Plays a premium position, has some of the best power potential in the 2014 crop.
6. Jacob Gatewood, ss, Clovis (Calif.) HS
Put on a show during Home Run Derby at Citi Field, may wind up at third base down the road.
7. Tyler Beede, rhp, Vanderbilt
Can make hitters swing and miss with three pitches but can’t always control and command them.
8. Touki Toussaint, rhp, Coral Springs (Fla.) Christian HS
Has struggled with command this summer but his premium stuff is impossible to deny.
9. Brady Aiken, lhp/of, Cathedral Catholic HS, San Diego
Projectable athlete could have three plus pitches in time, reminds me of Trey Ball at same stage.
10. Aaron Nola, rhp, Louisiana State
With his solid fastball, plus changeup and impressive pitchability, he’ll move quickly in pro ball.

Board Moderators may, at their discretion and judgment, delete and/or edit any messages that violate any of the following guidelines: 1. Explicit references to alleged illegal or unlawful acts. 2. Graphic sexual descriptions. 3. Racial or ethnic slurs. 4. Use of edgy language (including masked profanity). 5. Direct personal attacks, flames, fights, trolling, baiting, name-calling, general nuisance, excessive player criticism or anything along those lines. 6. Posting spam. 7. Each person may have only one user account. It is fine to be critical here - that's what this board is for. But let's not beat a subject or a player to death, please.

Thank you, and most
importantly, enjoy yourselves!

RedsZone.com is a privately owned website and is not affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds or Major League Baseball